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Shuttle launches Coffs Harbour into the future

Published11 Dec 2018

Coffs Harbour, known for its beautiful beaches and Big Banana, today welcomed another star attraction, BusBot to its foreshore.

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, Member for Coffs Harbour Andrew Fraser and Nationals Candidate for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh, today joined the community for phase 1 of the trial for the fully-automated 12 passenger shuttle.

“We wanted regional NSW to experience this technology first hand and I’m excited to see this trial get underway. This is about doing our homework today so we can make our vehicles safer, improve mobility and help save lives on our roads,” Mrs Pavey said.

Key Points

The 12-month trial has three phases:

Phase 1: A shuttle service travelling to Muttonbird Island, operating on the Northern Breakwall connecting Coffs Harbour International Marina and Muttonbird Island

Phase 2: The shuttle will move to Marian Grove Retirement Village

Phase 3: Operate on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour CBD

This will enable an understanding of the future benefit to customers, including improved quality of life and mobility for an ageing population

Mr Fraser said the trial had involved the local community, with Government working alongside industry and Coffs Harbour City Council.

“The trial is first for regional Australia and was designed by locals, for locals,” Mr Fraser said.

Mr Singh said it was fantastic to see the local heritage being included in the design of the vehicle and encouraged the community to come and experience it firsthand.

“The shuttle will be covered in a different design at each phase, starting with indigenous artwork depicting the sacred importance of Muttonbird Island to the local Gumbaynggirr people,” Mr Singh said.